Why book?

Because it gives you the best seats in town. Built on the cliffs just a short stroll from the buzz of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, Villa Dubrovnik looks out across the turquoise Adriatic to Lokrum Island on one side, and the city’s historic terracotta rooftops on the other. These are views you’d struggle to beat.

Set the scene

It’s the sensory details that stand out here. The air is full of the chatter of swifts nesting in the nearby cliffs, natural light pours through vast glass windows, and the hotel’s subtle signature scent lingers as you move through the space. The design reflects a local, ancient heritage and features original Croatian stone walls, terracotta tones and sun-bleached neutral tones. Against all that calm and sandy beige, the staff pop in brightly patterned uniforms, adding playful contrast to the aesthetic.

The backstory

Villa Dubrovnik began life in 1961 as a private retreat for political elites, before becoming an annexe to Hotel Argentina and, by the 1970s it was a boutique hotel with just 30 rooms. It’s had a number of redesigns but what distinguished it then, and still does now, is its cliff-perch above the Adriatic, its classic Mediterranean gardens, and its views of Old Town Dubrovnik and Lokrum Island.

At the end of 2024, it underwent a £22 million redesign by Studio Arthur Casas and the result is a hotel that feels both new and rooted in place. The update integrates UNESCO-listed dry stone walls, nods to Venetian history, and even traditional Croatian lace motifs in the rooms. Croatian creativity is also celebrated. Works created by painters, sculptors, ceramicists and fashion designers are all on display, makng the space feels as much a cultural showcase as a luxury retreat.

The rooms

Villa Dubrovnik is home to 55 rooms, including six signature suites and two residences. Each is generously spacious with cloud-like beds and pretty balconies that overlook the sea. Bathrooms feature dual Brazilian marble sinks, a walk‑in shower, a freestanding tub, and a “magic glass” privacy wall. State‑of‑the‑art touches like ceiling‑integrated Bluetooth speakers, digital room controls, and a dedicated service app bring the design firmly into the present.

Food drink

When it comes to food and drink, Villa Dubrovnik delivers. Restaurant Pjerin, recognised by the Michelin Guide, is fine‑dining bliss with breakfast, lunch, and dinner served on a sleek glass terrace overlooking the Old Town. The setting is gorgeous, but the food truly steals the show – we went for the Maestoso five‑course tasting menu with Croatian wine pairings, and it was unforgettable. For something more laid‑back, Giardino Restaurant sits under century‑old pines on an ancient stone terrace, offering a relaxed but memorable lunch experience. Then there’s Galanto Bar, Dubrovnik’s only rooftop bar and the ultimate sunset spot, where you can sip a Dubrovnik‑twist Negroni as the sky melts into gold. For a quieter moment, Libero Bar is a serene and luxurious indoor hideaway, ideal for coffee, wine, or a cocktail.

Wellness

Villa Dubrovnik makes it easy to press pause. There’s a serene indoor pool with floor‑to‑ceiling windows opening to views of the ocean, a fully equipped 24‑hour gym, and yoga and Pilates classes for guests who want to keep active. The spa is where it gets really special, treatments use a mix of innovative techniques and Mediterranean natural remedies, like immortelle flowers for glowing skin, essential oils for deep tissue massage, and a carob scrub for exfoliation. Add a sauna, steam room, and relaxation lounge, and it’s the ideal place to recharge after a day walking the city walls of Dubrovnik.

The area

Step outside Villa Dubrovnik and you’re just a 15-minute walk from the magic of the Old Town, or a quick private transfer (part of the hotel’s service). Dubrovnik’s cobbled lanes, storied architecture, and towering city walls are captivating and steeped in history. The city feels theatrical and alive, with open-air theatres, cinemas, and a vibrant arts scene that spills into its streets. For food, Proto serves up some of the city’s best seafood, while M’arden Wine Bar is a stylish hideaway with a great selection of Croatian wines. Overlooking the entirety of Dubrovnik is the 1,350ft Mount Srd. You can take a private sunrise tour as part of Villa Dubrovnik’s experiences. There’s also a cable car to and from the summit, with a lovely (but very busy) restaurant named Panorama – booking in advance is advised if you want the best views.

The service

The team are friendly, enthusiastic, and genuinely warm, made even more memorable by their vibrant, patterned uniforms that bring extra character to the experience. Everything feels intuitive, especially thanks to the hotel’s seamless digital app. Need something? Just send a finger-tip request, and it’s answered almost instantly, no fuss, no waiting. It’s luxury made super easy.

Eco effort

The hotel has earned a Green Globe Certification, one of the key initiatives is the ‘Gardens of Dubrovnik’ scheme, which includes the planting of indigenous Mediterranean plants on its rooftops and outdoor spaces. Locally sourced ingredients are a staple in their kitchens, supporting regional producers and reducing transportation emissions.

For families

Villa Dubrovnik is surprisingly effortless for families, with spacious family suites featuring interconnecting rooms and balcony hot tubs. Beyond the rooms, the hotel offers experiences that turn a stay into a real adventure, think horseback riding through Konavle, an ATV or buggy safari, sea kayaking around the Old Town walls, or even a private Game of Thrones tour through the city. Back at the hotel, the rocky cliffside beach is a big hit for all ages, complete with jumping platforms into the sea that are just as fun for kids as they are for grown-ups (guilty).

Accessibility

Villa Dubrovnik is fully accessibile across all public areas. For guests who need it, there are two specially designed rooms, fully wheelchair-friendly with adapted bathrooms and layouts. The beach, however, remains untouched and naturally rocky as it is cliffside, so it’s not wheelchair accessible, though there are more accessible beaches closer to the Old Town. The Old Town itself can also be tricky to navigate; while there are ramps, the cobbled streets can be challenging for wheelchair users.